Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president G. Parameshwara, who filed his nomination papers for the biennial Legislative Council elections on Monday, said he was “pained” over veteran Congress leader S.M. Krishna not being re-nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
Speaking to presspersons here, Dr. Parameshwara dismissed reports that there was a conspiracy to keep Mr. Krishna out of the Rajya Sabha. “I am not aware of the reason why he has not been chosen. But, it is a decision taken by the party high command, and we have to abide by it.”
On whether he would be included in the Cabinet and made Deputy Chief Minister, the KPCC chief said: “Only time will tell. I am able and ready to take any responsibility given by the party.”
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IIM-Bangalore professor Rajeev Gowda, who was chosen over Mr. Krishna, said the high command had given him a chance to work towards upholding the values of democracy and rebuilding the party.
Dismissing reports that Mr. Krishna was miffed over the party not having re-nominated him, he said: “Mr. Krishna has been my role model and will continue to remain so. I will perform to the best of my capabilities,” he said.
AICC general secretary B.K. Hariprasad said the party knew how best to utilise the services of veteran leaders. “I am sure the high command has something in mind for Mr. Krishna.”
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Mr. Gowda said he wanted to dedicate this Rajya Sabha term to the Congress leaders who were killed in the Chhattisgarh Maoist attack last year.